Implementing Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) on an Army Installation

With Department of Defense (DOD) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) mandating a migration to IPv6, Army installation Directors of Information Management (DOIMs) are beginning to feel pressured to implement IPv6 on their post networks. Unfortunately, little practical guidance exists to inform the DOIMs the procedures necessary to prepare their networks for IPv6. More is needed than simply enabling IPv6 on local area network (LAN) routers and switches. Many infrastructure components must be upgraded as well, including Domain Name Service (DNS), directory services, security, and network management. Besides the physical hardware and software components, local policies need to be defined for network security and IPv6 addressing, and steps need to be taken to provide training for administrators and registration of IPv6 pilots. This paper summarizes the steps necessary to enable an IPv6 pilot on an Army post. It attempts to address the question, "What is necessary to do today to prepare for an IPv6 application on the post network tomorrow." It will cover the procedures necessary to implement IPv6 on an Army base, including covering current status of commercial product support and Government testing of IPv6 capabilities.